Fun with purses

You may have noticed the striking handbag the suited gentleman was wearing in my last post. No? Huge, Chanel?

The other day on the train I sat next to a man carrying a Cole Haan village satchel in lavender. It was kind of amazing in that he was otherwise dressed kind of casually in jeans and a polo shirt. He did have on some pretty amazing white suede loafers though.

What do you think of men making the cross over from murse/man-bag to full out purse?

C.O Bigelow 170th Anniversary Fete

I was delightfully surprised to receive an invitation to C.O. Bigelow's 170th Anniversary Fete on June 26 at the Copley Place store where they feaured hors d'oeurves, the opportunity to create your own version of their #1 selling mentha lip gloss with third generation proprietor Ian Ginsberg, a chance to reconstruct a C.O. bigelow T-shirt with Megan Nicolay, author of Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt. C.O. Bigelow staff members were on hand for Nars makeup application, and there was a raffle to win on of five gift baskets which included loads of C.O. Bigelow products and a signed copy of Megan's book.

Ok, sounds great, but what lured me there? The vintage jewelry from Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel, and others. Drool.

I was a little nervous heading in there, because sometimes stores are weird about letting you take pictures, and I thought this would be a great post. Luckily Taylor was there to welcome me, show me around, and help me find some amazing soaps, lip glosses, and sparkly baubles. I didn't think to ask her where she got her fab outfit, but I loved it, of course, especially the brown shoes with the black shirt dress. I've been into mixing black and brown or blue and brown a lot myself.


Needless to say I made quite a few purchases, all of which will be showcased shortly. Until then, how about more pictures from the party? (Ok, I might have gotten one of the clutches below, too.)

How To Ross Dress For Less

The other week Nicole sent me a link to this dress. I wanted it muchos, but I already spent my stimulus check. So I moseyed on over to Ross Dress For Less where I found this little number for $39! BCBG leftovers, sucka.

Paired with my favorite shoes from Zappos.com, I think I look $358 worth for, like, lots less!

(Photo credit: net-a-porter.com. Necklace: etsy.com)

The Must-Throw Away Shoe

This is just me bitching but I hate...HATE...HATE the gladiator trend. Who came up with this new trend to make yourself look like you have cankles? It's the worst trend in the last ten years. They're worse than shoulder pads which look good on NO ONE. The gladiator sandal is not only unfeminine, but also a very heavy look on the foot. Depending on the thickness and placement of the straps, the effect is not always a flattering one for a woman's leg.

They come in sandals and heels, but they're all freaking terrible and deserve to go back to 2,000 years ago.







(image source: hotmamadaily.com, nordstrom.com, and piperlime.com)

Hello, Lover.

Sad to be missing out on the French soldes? The darling La Coquette has informed her readers of Département Féminin's worldwide shipping. Oh the Lanvin ballet flats to be had! Unfortunately, I seem to have a very popular size. (Sizes 7 and 9 are currently available.) It's probably for the best, but there is only one thing that I lust after more than a yellow pair of ballet flats--nude! I've seen so many pictures of Angelina Jolie in nude ballet flats, and I can't help thinking that they look so effortlessly chic.

(Photo credit: Fab Sugar)

Update: Size 7 and 9 in the nude flats; they do have a size 8 in white snake skin flats, but those aren't exactly a bargain.

Cowboy bib, how else?

I considered dressing up and looking like a classic lady with a Chanel scarf--who was I kidding? Of course I had to wear it like a cowboy/bib with a T-shirt and jeans.

(T-shirt, American Apparel; jeans, Marc by Marc Jacobs; scarf, Chanel)

Forget Obama/Hillary Nonsense--Vote Laurel!

Miss Laurel from It's Her Factory took a chance by entering V Magazine's Supreme Management Model Search. So, what are you waiting for? Go vote for her!

She's a gorgeous girl with that seemingly effortless California chic, and I'd like to wish her the best of luck.

And, in the eternal words of Skee-lo, "I wish I was a little bit taller."

Downtown San Francisco: making tourists feel ugly since 1848

Last week I went to a conference in Downtown San Francisco. Being the ever-practical traveler that I am (I do not iron on trips), I packed a pair of sneakers, jeans, and some t-shirts. Foolish me.

From the moment I stepped off the BART, I realized I was being severely outdressed by every single girl there. Seriously, this was some sort of Twilight Zone occurrence. I went from:
"Haha, what, is everyone here beautiful?" to
"Oh wait, everyone here IS beautiful!" to
"No seriously, wtf is going on here. Everyone is beautiful." in a matter of seconds.

This was bad.

My hotel was freaking two blocks from a five-story Saks and here I was in jeans with what I thought was a rather unnoticeable bleach spot on the butt. Let me tell you, it was noticed. It was like a giant neon sign that read "TOURIST."

The girls in Downtown SF are perfect. They are all young, attractive, scathingly fashionable, and they never take their heels off. I think this must be some sort of evolutionary development because as you can see in the photo above, a 24% grade + a 4" heel cannot be pulled off by mere humans.

That description makes me sound jealous. OK so I wanted every single one of those breezy summer dresses they wore, but more than anything I was excited to be surrounded by so many people with distinct personal styles. I think sometimes people who care about fashion trends are miscategorized as sheepish followers--that they all go to that one store to buy that one item that they saw that one famous person wear. But walk one block in Downtown SF and you will see 50 totally stylish girls with 50 totally different styles. It's inspiring, and I can't wait to go back (this time with maybe a pair of kitten heels).

(Photo credits: wikimedia.org and zappos.com - Max Studio Riley Heels)

What I Wore Today

(vest, Karen Millen; T-shirt, Gap; belt, Gap; jeans, Joe's Jeans; watch, Marc by Marc Jacobs, short necklace, Marc by Marc Jacobs; longer necklace, Urban Outfitters; shoes, Zara)

Urban Outfitters Sale

Chanel sale

I spent most of the day Saturday walking around taking pictures, but I did find time to stop in Chanel to see what this sale sign business was all about. I may have added to my scarf collection in the process. Most of the other sale items were still out of my league, but I did see a lovely pair of ballet flats that would have garnered more of my attention if I were on the market. That's right, I think I'm ready to make a commitment. With Lanvin ballet flats, ha! You didn't think I was talking romance, did you?

What else did I see? I ventured into the Public Garden where I was trigger happy; unfortunately, I didn't go to Boston Common where I would have seen a huge jewelry sale and most likely captured some superb photos.

Afterward, I ate on Newbury St at Piattini where I had one of the best dishes I have ever had. It had fried eggplant, smoked mozzarella, tomatoes, spinach, and a red sauce that I believe had truffle oil. Really, sitting in the afternoon sun sipping Sauvingon Blanc was delightful in and of itself.

I finished the day with a stroll through Copley Mall--how does that always happen? I didn't buy anything there, but I did get some magazines at the Barnes and Noble in the Prudential Center, and a couple of pictures as well. All in all, it was a glorious day, and it almost made up for the fact I spent the rest of the weekend working.

Sorry this isn't exactly a fashion-filled post; I will post more pictures of the tidbits I happened to pick up. Right now I'm in my PJs, and it's far too late to think about anything else.

HauteLook.com & Foley+Corinna

Foley+Corinna sale on HauteLook.com. Email me/message me for an invite to the site. I was lusting after the Mini City Tote after seeing Sorae's, and after perseverance, I was able to secure the lovely ruby version. It reminds me of what I like about the ubiquitous Balenciaga bags, but you know, about $1000 cheaper.

FTW:

















(Photo credit: HauteLook.com)

Yea, sales! BCBG

Fabsugar let's us know about the BCBG summer sale today. My picks? Jersey sweater dress, $79. Alexandra cotton coat, $149.
(Photo credit: bcbg.com)

Who's secret?

Save an extra 40% off of swimsuits at Victoria's Secret with the code 40SWIM.

Not really my thing, but I just gots to share.

Sale codes

I noticed a lot of discount codes in my Shop It To Me alert for today, so I thought I would pass them along in case any of you feel like doing some online shopping.

At Shoes.com use code JUNE50OFF200 to get $50 off orders of $200 or more on most items. (expires 6/30)

Bluefly.com is currently featuring an additional 15% off all dresses, so if you find anything you like, remember to get $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more. Use code SHOPTOME30 at checkout. (expires 06/30) The Elijah top, right, might have caught my eye while I was investigating the sales. Sadly, the Chanel ring is no where to be seen. The also have some big names in their designer handbag section. Nothing within my budget though, even with the $30 off! (Hermes! Balenciaga! Chloe!)

Karmaloop.com
Free Shipping on all orders greater than $25 Use code SLATER at checkout (expires 06/30) Today was my first time going to the site; I've been to the store once? Maybe? They have some fun T-shirts and sneakers; it seems like a good place to go for classic skate brands like DC and Burton. They also have a nice selection of Cheap Monday jeans and Nixon watches. I've been pining after some hot sandals, so these Jeffrey Campbell Camp Sandals caught my eye.

You didn't think I left empty-handed?

My first dressing room shot! Yea! After meeting Lara, I was walking out through Copley to the train, when I spotted the sale sign in Karen Millen. Truth be told, I've never gone in this store, but the party dresses in the window combined with the sale sign?

I rifled quickly through the sales racks, when I happened upon this delightful little vest. Now, I know this blog is new and many of you are new to it, but my latest fashion obsession has been vests. And with the built in layering--how could I pass it up? I probably won't wear it with a blouse like this as it seems a little stuffy, but I'm super excited to try it on with a tissue-thin v-neck T. Prepare for the fabulosity.

What I wore yesterday/my first attempt at Satorialism

My modeling career is going no where, fast. That being said, I felt super cute yesterday in the Minnetonkas--thanks Cherokee Trading Post!
(Hat, Urban Outfitters; "I love you" necklace, Marc by Marc Jacobs; destination charm necklace, Urban Outfitters; faux leather blazer, Target; striped button-down blouse, H&M; jeans, Marc by Marc Jacobs; shoes, Minnetonka.)
I took a walk after work and accidentally ended up in the Copley Mall, imagine that? That's where I saw Lara (like Dr. Zhivago) in Barneys. I thought her yellow and grey were sweet without being too precious. The silhouette is beautiful and that ribbon belt? In the words of Stacy London, "Shut up."

Then, I spotted her shoes, and the girl crush was near instantaneous! Why did I not have my good camera? The shoes (from Kenneth Cole and currently on sale!) look pricey. They're that everyday basic you should have, but with the nicest pop of yellow at the ankle strap.

Many, many thanks to Lara for being a good sport about the whole thing. I felt so embarrassed asking to take her picture, but I knew I had to document the cuteness of the shoes for those girls who don't have ridiculously wide feet like yours truly.
If I knew what I was doing, I would have asked about the rest of her outfit!

Kate Spade, anyone?

Many thanks to the Bag Snob for sharing the Kate Spade private sale info! See the post here or click on the title of this post to go shopping!

because im addicted

because im addicted: ill have another glass, please.

Bear is wearing a dress that I ordered from Net-A-Porter (under the plaid shirt. I was going to return it, but now I'm having second thoughts. . . Am I too short/chubby to pull this off? Only time (and a digicam) will tell.

Summer Sale at Neiman Marcus

Gimme.

Sunday

It's cold in San Francisco that your cheeks take at least 10 minutes to warm up. I went to the record store because I had nothing else to do. I picked up a couple of cds (DJ-Kicks: Erlend Oye, Kings of Convenience: Versus, a couple of Yo La Tengo cds) and two dvds. I was waiting in line on the second floor which was out of my way because a cute guy with a beard, dark messy hair, and glasses was a cashier. I saw him earlier when I was picking up some movies and cds, but I didn't say anything. I stood in line in hopes that he'd ring me up, say that I had fabulous taste in music and movies, and would ask me to make out with him. But instead, I ended up at the register of a girl. She was nice enough, especially when she asked me what perfume I was wearing because she liked it. My first comment since I've bought it! I told her even though I still feel the shame when I say what it is. 

Then walking down the street, waiting for my public transportation, a lady walks up to me. She asks, "Do you speak Spanish?" in a thick accent. I say no. She points downward. She keeps saying "Macy's?" And at first, I didn't understand so I tried to give her directions to Macy's but she kept shaking her head and pointing downward. Then she said nevermind and she pointed at my shoes and said "bonita."

That...I understood.

Thick purple suede belt - Forever 21? I don't remember.
Heart necklace - H&M
Tank - Old Navy
Black a-line pleated knee length skirt - H&M
Gray wool socks - H&M
Patent leather pumps - Payless